Shovel



Oct. 15, 1929. J. P. VERBURG SHOVEL Filed Jan. 12, 1928- 2 Sheets-Sheet l r 0 m B W I Oct. 15, 1929. J. P. VERBUIYQG SHOVEL Fn d Jan. 12, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet, 2

ln vento r Patented Get. 15, 1929 ire rs JOHN P. VERBURG, OF ONTARIO, NEW YORK snovnn Application filed January 12, 1928. Serial No. 246,293.

The present invention relates to shovels and has for its principal object to provide an article of this character adapted particularly for use in shovelling or removing snow and provided with a fold-able handle enabling the same to be folded in a compact manner for conveniently transporting or storing the same when not in use.

.A. further object of the invention is to hingedly connect the sections of the handle enabling the same to be folded one upon the other and providing a fastening latch for engaging the adjacent-end of said section whereby to secure the same in extended position ready for use.

Another object is to provide an article of this character of simple and practical construction, which is strong and durable, relativel y inexpensive to manufacture and otherwise well adapted to the purposes for which it is desired.

Other objects and advantages reside in the special construction and combination of the various elements comprising the invention, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein:

Figure 1 is a top plan View showing the handle of the shovel in extended relation,

Figure 2 is a side elevational view thereof,

the full lines illustrating the position of the handle in extended relation with the dotted line illustrating the position thereof in folded relation,

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view,

Figure 4} is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view through the slat for securing the sections of the handle,'and

Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view through the handle taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the invention comprises a shovel including a blade member 5, preferably constructed of sheet metal and having a flattened space with its side and rear edges provided with an upstanding flange 6, said side flanges being in clined downwardly toward the front edge of the blade and said rear flange having a blank space pro *ided therein intermediate its ends enabling a handle section 7 to extend between the separated ends of the flange with the forward end of'said handle section seated upon the upper surface of the blade. The separated ends of the rear flange of the shovel are turned inwardly as indicated at 8 so as to extend longitudinally with the sides of the handle section? and adapted to have screws 9 in sorted therein for attaching the same to the handle.

its more clearly illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawing the inner end of the handle section 7 is beveled enabling the handle to extend upwardly at an inclined angle when the inner end thereof is seated upon the upper surface of the blade 5;

At the under side of the blade 5 is arranged an attaching plate 10 of a substantially Y- shaped formation with its pair of parallel arms 11 extending under the bottom portion of the blades adjacent the side edges thereof and with the opposite ends of the blade indicated at 12 angularly disposed and secured to the under side of the handle section 7 Upon the upper surface of the handle section 7 is arranged a hinge member 13 with its companion hinge member 14: attached to the upper edge of a folding handle section 15 thus enabling the section 15 to be folded forwardly and downwardly upon the blade.

The under side of the folding handle section 15 adjacentits connected end is recessed as indicated at 16 and providing a pocket for receiving a latch housing 17 in which is slidably arranged a covered latch 18. The inner end of the latch 18 is engaged by a coil spring 19 normally urging the same in outwardly extended position with its outer end releasably engageable with the latch plate 20 secured to the handle section 7. An operating handle 21 is attached to the latch by means of which the same may be moved inwardly for disengagement with the weight and thus releasing the handle section permitting the same to be moved into folded position.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the shovel constructed in accordance with my invention will be strong and durable and while the same is designed particularly for use in the shovelling or removal of snow it is apparent that the same is equally Well adapted for general use. By providing a foldable handle section as heretofor explained the device may be packed in a limited space.

It is obvious that the invention is susceptible of various changes and modifications, Without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages, and I accordingly claim all such forms of the device to Which I am entitled.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim as new is:

A tool handle comprising a pair of hingedly connected sections, one of said sections being recessed at its hinged end, a latch housing fitted in said recess, a latch member slidably mounted in the housing, and arranged for sliding movement transversely of the handle an operating handle for the latch disposed parallel thereto and With its inner end extended through the Wall of the housing for attachment to the latch, and means carried by the other handle section engageable by the latch for securing said sections in longitudinally extended positions.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

JOHN P. VERBURG. 

